U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport intercepted a monkey carcass and more than 125 pounds of prohibited ruminant meat on April 11, according to an April 22 announcement.
The interceptions highlight the ongoing efforts by CBP to prevent the entry of potentially dangerous animal products that could introduce diseases or pests into the United States. Such items can pose significant risks to public health and agricultural safety.
CBP officers referred a traveler arriving from Cameroon for further inspection after detecting an anomaly in their baggage during an X-ray examination. Upon searching the suitcase, a CBP agricultural specialist discovered a monkey carcass, which was subsequently detained and destroyed due to health concerns following directives from partner agencies.
In another incident, agriculture specialists inspected eight boxes belonging to a traveler from Liberia and found ruminant meat concealed within dried seafood. The traveler admitted that the hidden product was beef. In total, officials seized approximately 125 pounds of prohibited ruminant meat, one pound of fresh leaves, and four types of seeds intended for planting from this individual’s luggage.
“CBP’s agriculture specialists mitigate the threat of non-native plants and pests, plant and animal diseases, and other potentially contaminants entering the United States,” said Michael Pfeiffer, Acting Director of Field Operations for Chicago Field Office. “The sheer volume of prohibited items our specialists intercept daily demonstrates how they play an essential and critical role in preventing plant and animal diseases from entering the United States.”
Travelers are reminded to declare all agricultural items acquired abroad when entering the country to avoid civil or criminal penalties. Additional information about permitted imports is available on CBP’s website.
